Second gentleman Doug Emhoff tests positive for Covid-19
Vice president Kamala Harris remains negative for virus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The White House says that second gentleman Doug Emhoff has tested positive for Covid-19 but that vice president Kamala Harris remains negative for the virus.
“Earlier today, the Second Gentleman tested positive for Covid-19,” said Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the Vice President.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Vice President will not participate in tonight’s event. The Vice President tested negative for Covid-19 today and will continue to test.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden had tested negative for Covid-19 on Sunday.
Mr Biden and Ms Harris appeared together on Tuesday afternoon with lawmakers at an event to mark the signing of a $1.5 trillion government funding measure.
Mr Emhoff had earlier appeared at an outdoor event at a communal garden in Washington DC.
The vice president was set to participate in an Equal Pay Day event at the White House Tuesday evening that began just as Mr Emhoff’s test results were released.
The president addressed the positive test at the event, first telling the audience that the “first lady’s husband contracted Covid” before realising his mistake and chuckling.
“Kamala chose not to take a chance since he tested positive – by the way, he’s fine, but out of an abundance of caution, she decided not to join,” said Mr Biden.
The positive test comes after former president Barack Obama announced on Twitter over the weekend that he had Covid-19 but that Michelle Obama did not.
The US has seen 79.5m Covid-19 cases during the pandemic and 964,000 deaths.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments